Assessor Resource

AHCPCM203
Fell small trees

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to fell small trees where hazards have been assessed as low risk.

It is an introductory or base-level unit that covers felling procedures for small trees.

This unit applies to individuals who undertake defined activities with specialised tools and methods, work in a structured context, apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and limited judgement, and provide solutions to a limited range of predictable problems. Work is implemented with low risk work procedures and to comply with Safe Work Method Statement documentation.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant state or territory.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1.Assist in preparation of work site

1.1 Determine location of worksite and correct tree from the scope of works

1.2 Identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor

1.3 Confirm work zone with work crew and monitor site

1.4 Identify first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

1.5 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

2.Identify tree felling requirements

2.1 Identify hazards associated with felling operation

2.2 Assess risks and report to supervisor

2.3 Examine topography and site conditions

2.4 Identify factors influencing the tree felling operation and confirm findings with supervisor

2.5 Identify trees considered outside own skill level for felling and seek assistance from appropriate personnel

2.6 Determine natural direction of fall, safe fall zone and exclusion zone and confirm with supervisor

2.7 Receive instructions for tree felling operations from supervisor and clarify instructions prior to undertaking work

3. Prepare for tree felling

3.1 Select and prepare felling equipment and component options appropriate to the task being undertaken

3.2 Prepare, transport and appropriately position support tools to minimise felling delays

3.3 Select, check, use, maintain and store suitable safety and personal protective equipment (PPE)

3.4 Clear fall zone of obstacles and articles which may be damaged by felled tree

3.5 Establish clear escape route appropriate to site

4. Fell tree

4.1 Note and monitor location of other personnel

4.2 Carry out tree felling operation

4.3 Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals

4.4 Determine standard tree felling techniques, patterns and cut sequences by ground conditions and state of canopy

4.5 Take corrective action in response to changing conditions or problems encountered

4.6 Use planned escape route when tree starts to fall

4.7 Monitor fall of tree and movement on ground until felled tree is stable

4.8 Use low risk work practices in all activities

5. Complete tree felling operation

5.1 Determine appropriate method of clearing the site of felled tree

5.2 Select and use machinery required for removal of felled tree

5.3 Clear fall site of tree and all tree debris

5.4 Clean and store all machinery and equipment on completion of operation

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

prepare, transport and appropriately position support tools to minimise felling delays

assess topography and site conditions, identify factors influencing tree felling operation and confirm findings with supervisor

receive instructions for tree felling operations from supervisor and clarify prior to undertaking work

clear fall zone of obstacles and articles which may be damaged by felled tree

confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor

record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

select, check, use, maintain and store suitable safety and personal protective equipment

confirm work zone with work crew and monitor location of other personnel

determine natural direction of fall, safe fall zone and exclusion zone and confirm with supervisor

determine standard tree felling techniques by ground conditions and state of canopy

establish clear escape route appropriate to site

safely operate a chainsaw to fell small trees

monitor fall of tree and movement on ground until felled tree is stable

take corrective action in response to changing conditions or problems encountered

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

corrective action

emergency and first aid procedures

felling equipment and components

first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

ground conditions

how to determine natural direction of fall

how to establish a clear escape route

industry standard terminology

low risk work practices

obstacles and articles which may be damaged by felled trees

positioning support tools

safe operating procedures for felling small trees

safe fall and exclusion zones

selection, preparation and appropriate equipment for task

standard tree felling techniques, patterns and cut sequences

topography, site conditions and other factors influencing tree felling operations

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1.Assist in preparation of work site

1.1 Determine location of worksite and correct tree from the scope of works

1.2 Identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor

1.3 Confirm work zone with work crew and monitor site

1.4 Identify first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

1.5 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

2.Identify tree felling requirements

2.1 Identify hazards associated with felling operation

2.2 Assess risks and report to supervisor

2.3 Examine topography and site conditions

2.4 Identify factors influencing the tree felling operation and confirm findings with supervisor

2.5 Identify trees considered outside own skill level for felling and seek assistance from appropriate personnel

2.6 Determine natural direction of fall, safe fall zone and exclusion zone and confirm with supervisor

2.7 Receive instructions for tree felling operations from supervisor and clarify instructions prior to undertaking work

3. Prepare for tree felling

3.1 Select and prepare felling equipment and component options appropriate to the task being undertaken

3.2 Prepare, transport and appropriately position support tools to minimise felling delays

3.3 Select, check, use, maintain and store suitable safety and personal protective equipment (PPE)

3.4 Clear fall zone of obstacles and articles which may be damaged by felled tree

3.5 Establish clear escape route appropriate to site

4. Fell tree

4.1 Note and monitor location of other personnel

4.2 Carry out tree felling operation

4.3 Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals

4.4 Determine standard tree felling techniques, patterns and cut sequences by ground conditions and state of canopy

4.5 Take corrective action in response to changing conditions or problems encountered

4.6 Use planned escape route when tree starts to fall

4.7 Monitor fall of tree and movement on ground until felled tree is stable

4.8 Use low risk work practices in all activities

5. Complete tree felling operation

5.1 Determine appropriate method of clearing the site of felled tree

5.2 Select and use machinery required for removal of felled tree

5.3 Clear fall site of tree and all tree debris

5.4 Clean and store all machinery and equipment on completion of operation

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

prepare, transport and appropriately position support tools to minimise felling delays

assess topography and site conditions, identify factors influencing tree felling operation and confirm findings with supervisor

receive instructions for tree felling operations from supervisor and clarify prior to undertaking work

clear fall zone of obstacles and articles which may be damaged by felled tree

confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor

record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

select, check, use, maintain and store suitable safety and personal protective equipment

confirm work zone with work crew and monitor location of other personnel

determine natural direction of fall, safe fall zone and exclusion zone and confirm with supervisor

determine standard tree felling techniques by ground conditions and state of canopy

establish clear escape route appropriate to site

safely operate a chainsaw to fell small trees

monitor fall of tree and movement on ground until felled tree is stable

take corrective action in response to changing conditions or problems encountered

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

corrective action

emergency and first aid procedures

felling equipment and components

first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

ground conditions

how to determine natural direction of fall

how to establish a clear escape route

industry standard terminology

low risk work practices

obstacles and articles which may be damaged by felled trees

positioning support tools

safe operating procedures for felling small trees

safe fall and exclusion zones

selection, preparation and appropriate equipment for task

standard tree felling techniques, patterns and cut sequences

topography, site conditions and other factors influencing tree felling operations

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Determine location of worksite and correct tree from the scope of works 
Identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor 
Confirm work zone with work crew and monitor site 
Identify first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures 
Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures 
Identify hazards associated with felling operation 
Assess risks and report to supervisor 
Examine topography and site conditions 
Identify factors influencing the tree felling operation and confirm findings with supervisor 
Identify trees considered outside own skill level for felling and seek assistance from appropriate personnel 
Determine natural direction of fall, safe fall zone and exclusion zone and confirm with supervisor 
Receive instructions for tree felling operations from supervisor and clarify instructions prior to undertaking work 
Select and prepare felling equipment and component options appropriate to the task being undertaken 
Prepare, transport and appropriately position support tools to minimise felling delays 
Select, check, use, maintain and store suitable safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) 
Clear fall zone of obstacles and articles which may be damaged by felled tree 
Establish clear escape route appropriate to site 
Note and monitor location of other personnel 
Carry out tree felling operation 
Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals 
Determine standard tree felling techniques, patterns and cut sequences by ground conditions and state of canopy 
Take corrective action in response to changing conditions or problems encountered 
Use planned escape route when tree starts to fall 
Monitor fall of tree and movement on ground until felled tree is stable 
Use low risk work practices in all activities 
Determine appropriate method of clearing the site of felled tree 
Select and use machinery required for removal of felled tree 
Clear fall site of tree and all tree debris 
Clean and store all machinery and equipment on completion of operation 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCPCM203 - Fell small trees
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

AHCPCM203 - Fell small trees

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: